Songkran 2012: Media & Press: Thirsty Swagman
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Songkran 2012
Haven’t heard of Songkran? Just imagine everyone in your country closing shop to take part in a fully-fledged, nation-wide water fight.
Reckon it’d be fun? You have no idea!
Songkran is one huge event that surprisingly few people know about. It’s possibly the biggest and wildest water fight event in the world.
The event takes part throughout Thailand and is a celebration of the Thai New Year, which kicks off every year from 13 - 15 April. The date is now fixed but was previously set by astrological calculation.
The whole scene is a seemingly perfect way to celebrate Thai New Year, as it also happens to run during the hottest part of the year in Thailand. Some cities, such as Chiang Mai, engage in water fights that run up to 6 days long.
Travellers who know of this wild tradition will grab their water-guns, pack their bags and travel across the world to celebrate Songkran with a splash.
Locals often close their shops and set up their water-fighting stations, which consist of large barrels of water (sometimes filled with ice for an extra sting). This is where both locals and travellers can head for a quick gun refill, before heading back out into the chaotic streets for more.
Songkran 2012 will be held on 13th to 15th April (in some parts of Thailand it will begin on 12th April) 2012.
